KUMJ | VOL. 22 | NO. 4 | ISSUE 88 | OCTOBER. - DECEMBER. 2024
Pain-related Beliefs, Coping Strategies and Pain Catastrophization in Older People with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Bimali I, Awal K, Acharya RS
Abstract: Background
Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a major health concern among older people. The
experience of chronic musculoskeletal pain is influenced by psychosocial factors such
as beliefs, coping strategies, and pain catastrophizing. It is believed that culture can
influence pain related factors and psychosocial factors vary across different cultures.
Objective
To identify the common pain-related beliefs, coping strategies and pain catastrophizing
in older people with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Method
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Dhulikhel among 150 older
people. Semi-structured questionnaire gathered information on pain beliefs
and coping strategies, while, pain catastrophizing scale was used to identify
catastrophization. A convenient sampling was used and data were analyzed using
SPSS, version 26.
Result
The median age of the participants was 69 years (IQR 10). The median pain score
on facial pain rating scale was 6 (IQR 2). Participants believed that musculoskeletal
pain was associated with aging (81%), past workload (64%) and karma (49%). They
predominantly believed in doctors (78%) and physiotherapists (43%) for treatment.
Nearly half also believed in spiritual healers. Commonly utilized coping strategies
were self-statements like “I can handle anything” (89%) and it is not so bad, it’s
normal” (81%), massage (88%), God (87%) and exercise (84%). The level of pain
catastrophization was not statistically significant among the participants.
Conclusion
The findings of the study highlighted the significance of beliefs and coping strategies
in influencing pain experiences, suggesting a strong need of implementation of biopsychosocial
approach in assessment and management of pain among older people.
Keyword : Belief, Coping strategies, Chronic musculoskeletal pain, Older people, Pain catastrophization
